Remote Policy Lead, Clean Energy (WA)

Renewable Northwest; United States; Remote; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, vision and dental

Unlimited PTO after 1 year

Flexible work schedule

401(k) employer contribution

Job summary

Renewable Northwest seeks a Policy Manager or Senior Policy Manager to represent the organization in Washington state and to support legislative, regulatory, and coalition-building activities with the goal of strengthening and expanding clean energy infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest. The Renewable Northwest office is based in Portland, OR.

This position is remote but must be located within a 1.5 hour drive of Olympia, WA. Occasional travel across the west is required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the bulk electric system and energy policy issues.
• Experience with Washington state policy and legislative processes.
• Combination of college coursework and 2–3 years in clean energy, public policy, or advocacy.
• Graduate degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Strong writing, editing and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tactical projects and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Represent Renewable Northwest on policy issues in Washington.
• Engage in legislative and regulatory processes and coalition-building across states.
• Develop and analyze policy proposals for utility planning and energy regulations.
• Collaborate with lobbyists, members, and policymakers to advance policy.
• Lead briefings and respond to information requests as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and partners.

Skills

Bulk electric system

Energy policy issues

Regulatory process

Washington policy

Public policy

Writing

Relationship building

Independent work

Project management

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Apps

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Graduate degree in a relevant field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Google Apps

Job description

Renewable Northwest seeks a Policy Manager or Senior Policy Manager to represent the organization in Washington state and to support legislative, regulatory, and coalition-building activities with the goal of strengthening and expanding clean energy infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest. The Renewable Northwest office is based in Portland, OR. This position is remote but must be located within a 1.5 hour drive of Olympia, WA. Occasional travel across the west is required. The position will be filled at either the Policy Manager or Senior Policy Manager level, based on experience and qualifications. Descriptions of qualifications and job responsibilities for each are provided below.

ABOUT RENEWABLE NORTHWEST
Renewable Northwest is a regional nonprofit clean energy advocacy organization whose mission is to decarbonize the region by accelerating the transition to renewable electricity. Renewable Northwest serves four Northwest states – Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Member organizations include leading renewable energy businesses, environmental organizations, consumer groups and other renewable energy sector affiliates. Renewable Northwest offers a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding workplace where staff collaborates with members and allies to move the Northwest away from fossil fuels toward a clean energy future. Employees hold individual responsibility for respective focus areas, but are well supported by fellow staff who collaborate closely across policy, regulatory and industry sectors. Visit the Renewable Northwest website for additional background information.

STATEMENT OF INCLUSION
Renewable Northwest values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position, including people of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, people with lived experience, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Renewable Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

COMPENSATION AND AMENITIES

• Policy Manager Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000
• Senior Manager Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000

Renewable Northwest offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Excellent medical, vision and dental plan for employee and family members
• Unlimited PTO after 1 year of employment
• Paid family medical leave
• Flexible work schedule
• Employer contribution to a 401(k) retirement plan

TO APPLY
Submit the following materials in PDF format via email to: [e-mail]

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Writing sample, preferably relevant to the job description
• Selected candidates may be asked to provide 2-3 professional references as we move into final interview stages

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are currently unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

POLICY MANAGER

• Represent Renewable Northwest as the lead on policy issues in Washington.
• Represent Renewable Northwest in the Washington State legislature and assist policy efforts in other states as necessary.
  Support Renewable Northwest colleagues engaged in electric utility planning processes and regulatory proceedings before the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.
• Analyze and develop utility, state, and regional renewable energy policy proposals.
• Collaborate with contract lobbyists, consultants, member organizations, and policymakers to advance policy proposals; educate policymakers on the barriers to and benefits of renewable energy.
• Convene Renewable Northwest colleagues, member organizations, and other partners to build coalitions in support of transmission and renewable energy development; conduct briefings and respond to information requests as needed.
• Develop trust and maintain relationships with Renewable Northwest colleagues, external partners, policymakers, regulators, the broader environmental community, community-based organizations, and other key stakeholders.
• Grow personal aptitude and contribute to the team’s combined expertise on topics such as renewable energy policy, renewable energy siting, energy and emissions regulation, transmission, regional markets, and integrated resource planning.

SENIOR POLICY MANAGER

• Able to perform the above responsibilities with minimal direction.
• Oversee the work of consultants and have the opportunity to directly manage interns and mentor associates.
• Serve as project manager for the state by overseeing or having awareness of all the happenings in the state, how they are related, who is responsible, and how the work fits the organization’s strategic plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

POLICY MANAGER

• Knowledge of the bulk electric system, energy policy issues, the utility regulatory process, or land use principles.
• Experience and knowledge of Washington state policy and legislative processes.
• Combination of college level coursework and 2-3 years professional experience in clean energy, public policy, or advocacy. Relevant experience includes (but is not limited to) work in utility, land-use, local economic development organizations, political, research institute, renewable development, policy, legal, or government settings; OR
• A graduate degree in a relevant field. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to, law, policy, engineering, business, or finance.
• Stellar writing, editing and public speaking skills.
• Strong relationship building skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to manage multiple tactical projects while advancing cohesive overarching strategy.
• Ability to work efficiently, yet strategically, within tight deadlines.
• Must be passionate with a productive work ethic.
• Experience with Excel, PowerPoint and Google Apps (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Gmail).
• Preferred: experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board.

SENIOR POLICY MANAGER
In addition to the above Manager Qualifications:

• An advanced degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field. Relevant fields include, but are not limited to, law, policy, engineering, business, or finance.
• 4+ years professional experience in clean energy, public policy, or advocacy. Relevant experience includes but is not limited to: work in utility, land-use, local economic development organizations, political, research institute, renewable development, policy, legal, or government settings.